Monmouth County Democratic Chairman Vin Gopal said last week he welcomes bipartisanship, but members of his party should stay loyal in their endorsements.

“In my county, any Democrat, especially those Democrats who hold party positions such as being on the county committee, who can't do the basic of endorsing the Democratic platform which stands for our values should leave the party,” Gopal said.

Monmouth County Democratic Party Chairman Vin Gopal says members of his party should not endorse Republican candidates like Gov. Chris Christie.Mark J. Bonamo/NJ.com

Though Long declined to comment, she did say she has not wavered from her endorsement.

In June, Long Branch Mayor Adam Schneider joined Long by endorsing Christie.

“Christie has been out front in working to help Sea Bright and the shore to rebuild, and a lot of us feel he has been very effective,” Schneider said. “I looked at it and said in this particular election it was a fairly easy decision for me.”

Schneider explained that at the municipal level, partisan lines are less important than statewide or nationally.

“We’re more concerned with passing budgets, keeping our potholes filled and taking care of our people,” Schneider said. “We really don’t have time to worry about party politics. I have plenty of Republicans who have supported me in the past.”

Though Schneider’s position is non-partisan, he identifies himself as a progressive Democrat – but Gopal’s response to Long’s endorsement put a bad taste in his mouth.

“I thought it was the worse thing somebody could say, because she did what was right for her town,” Schneider said.

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Gopal said there are issue-related reasons Monmouth County Democrats should support Buono over Christie, like gay rights, a higher minimum wage, and funding for women’s health care.

“Those Democrats who endorsed Chris Christie clearly don't believe in the Democratic Platform,” Gopal said. “Those Democrats don't represent the values of our party because they cut a deal with the Governor.”

Gopal and the Monmouth County Executive Committee were among Buono’s first and strongest supporters.

“Like many other communities up and down the shoreline, Superstorm Sandy brought a wave of destruction here in Spring Lake that left us with a complex and costly recovery," Naughton said in a statement Monday. "We knew our effort would depend not only on talented local resources, but a strong partner who understood what was at stake. We found that partner in Governor Chris Christie.”